An update from Saltdean Lido

Whether you drive past it or have fond childhood memories, everyone seems to know Saltdean Lido. It’s hardly surprisingly after all; it has stood proud for 75 years and is recognised as one of the most innovative buildings of its kind. Its curved lines and sun terraces scream art deco and in 2011 it was granted a Grade II* listing making it arguably the most important lido in England. Better still it's on our doorstep here in Brighton which is why the Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company have got a plan to ensure its around for many more generations to enjoy.

To recap
Between 2010 and 2012 after running a successful campaign The Save Saltdean Lido team closed down the initiative only to then launch the newly registered Saltdean Lido Community Interest Company (CIC). Thank fully this was off the back of Brighton & Hove City Council, the owners of the site taking back the lease from the leaseholder, who wanted to partially demolish the building and create over 100 flats.

Now that the building is saved and The Council are back in control there is now an opportunity for The Saltdean Lido CIC to respond to the Councils 'expressions of interest' which will be put forward this month (Feb 2013) for a third party to run the Lido fulltime.

After a full and transparent vetting process we hope that the CIC will be successful in it's application to manage the Lido for future generations and are currently preparing documentation and plans with a view to the keys being handed over with a 50 year lease in July this year.

We the Saltdean Lidon CIC know that outdoor pools make little money and are reliant on the British weather but the lido is so much more than a pool. Our vision is to create an all year round community and visitor facility providing recreational, leisure and cultural amenities. With the help of Conran & Partners architects we have developed plans to ensure the site will be financially viable. We plan to heat the water of the pool using renewable energy sources, install an all-year round café/bar at the site, new swanky meeting room space for community groups and private hire, a gym/exercise studio, outdoor facilities like volleyball and children’s play areas and regular events from comedy nights to farmers markets making it the real hub of Saltdean.

In the meantime the CIC have permission for their annual Summer Fun Day (now in its third year) on Saturday June 1st and will take over the Oval Park to celebrate the 75th birthday of the Lido.

We are asking local businesses to donate £75 to show their support for our plans and back the Fun Day which attracted 10,000 people last year. We are also looking for other sponsors to sponsor evening activity including a comedy night and a music night.

You can read more about the CIC and their plans and the Fun Day on our website www.saltdeanlido.co.uk

Rebecca Crook is a Director of Saltdean Lido CIC. You can hear all the latest news by following us on Twitter @saltdeanlido and signing up to be  a member of the CIC for just £5 if you want to see The Lido open for the local community again sometime soon.

If you would like to get in touch and support us more please email us at info@saltdeanlido.co.uk